Saturday Sack Lunch Ministry

Background:

Over 4,000 sack lunches have been distributed to date. Since beginning this program in May, 2009 we have watched God open the doors to this ministry being accepted in this community and building trust and friendships that allows us to meet individuals “where they are” in their spiritual life. Sack Lunches are contributed through a variety of ways from Sunday school classes to individuals.

Those volunteering are encouraged not to “judge”, but freely give as Christ has set the example. There are many in this area who need Christ in their lives, but there are also many in this area who are already our brothers and sisters in Christ. So this ministry serves to meet both the physical needs and spiritual needs of the community. However, most often it is the volunteers who end up growing in their own spiritual walk.

We chose the 4th Saturday of the month due to the fact that this is often the time of the month where money and food are in the shortest supply in most homes.

Location and Time:

We meet at the Fellowship Hall between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to collect and prayer over the sack lunches. Let us know if you are interested in assisting with the distribution of the lunches. We set up on the sidewalk, as well as take a wagon of lunches throughout the neighborhood, just talking with the residents and asking if there are any prayer requests, etc...

We begin distributing sack lunches around 11:45 a.m. and noon and continue until our sandwich supply is depleted - or until 2:00 p.m. If we have lunches leftover we take them to the Homeless Shelter so that no food goes wasted. You do not have to stay and distribute the entire time. Just stay as long as you feel God leading you. Kim Hubbard, Marta Short or Becky Morgan will be at each Saturday.

Should we have a large number of sandwiches, we also may divide up and take sandwiches to other areas where the needs are.

We selected this location after working with the Minister's Union and gathering information from the City regarding areas of need.

Each Sack Lunch should consist of the following:

1 Sandwich (turkey/cheese, ham/cheese, or PBJ) please do not place condiments on
the meat and cheese sandwiches
1 drink (fruit juice box, water)
1 individual bag of chips
1 piece of fruit or applesauce/fruit cup
1 sweet (cookies, brownies, Little Debbie cake, etc..) they just need to be individual serving size

These items need to placed in the lunch sack and marked with a "T" for turkey, "H" for ham and "PBJ" for peanut butter and jelly.

Please note that there really is no way to pack these wrong. Feel free to utilize what you have. Our focus from the beginning has been to have faith in God and give freely as he provides for that day. We just give Him the glory each month.

Assembling Lunches:

There is no specific way to assemble lunches. This is left up to each Sunday School Class. Some classes have individuals pack their lunches at home and drop them off at the church between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Others chose to meet in the Fellowship Hall and make all their lunches at the same time using this time for class fellowship. Whatever works best for each class if fine; just remember that if your class wants to use the Fellowship Hall they need to contact the Church Office to reserve it and make sure the doors are unlocked.

Questions:

Should you have any questions or need additional information please feel free to contact Kim Hubbard, Marta Short or Becky Morgan.